General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: In the motions of distant solar system objects, astronomers find hints of Planet Nine [View all]Sen. Walter Sobchak
(8,692 posts)Eris is a cluster of pixels of light, I hope I live long enough to see it and whatever else is out there in more detail. The IAU definition is widely ignored because it is illogical. Any criteria in which any of the terrestrial planets would cease to be planets if they were to trade places with Pluto or Ceres is ridiculous.
We have created a bizarre taxonomy grouping together objects, of which only two have been observed in any detail and the observed characteristics of Pluto and Triton don't favor lumping them in with umpteen potato shaped bits of rock. If we truly find in time that Pluto is indeed one of many or maybe even a runt out there well okay then, lets have this conversation. But this rush to judgement based on a perceived too great abundance of points of light has been made before.
In fact it was precisely a dick measuring contest that began between Clyde Tombaugh and an astronomer named Brian Marsden, that their proteges were all too happy to continue after their respective deaths.